Henry Steelman

In an effort to recommend the strongest insurers to consumers Weiss Ratings, the nation’s only insurance rating company, compiled and rated a list of life and annuity insurers. 887 insurers were rated and only 80 of them qualified to be recommended at a rating of B+ (good) or higher. These companies are large controlling...
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With so many retired people getting hit by the recent recession, a number of companies promising cash to individuals selling an annuity have sprung up. Many of these companies promise quick and easy cash. Selling these investments, however, should be a decision that is taken very cautiously. Individuals who are considering this option should...
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As part of his plan to implement federal health care reform, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law several bills all affecting health insurance in the state. The bill-signing ceremony was held Thursday, Sept. 30. Bill AB 1602, sponsored by Assembly Speaker John Perez (D-Los Angeles) and SB 900, sponsored by Senator Elaine Alquist...
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Could My Family Benefit from a Family Limited Partnership? A family limited partnership is a business partnership between family members. Any business can utilize these partnerships, including real estate and investment companies. A family limited partnership permits a family to decide income, appreciation, and control of assets for each member. In these partnerships, there...
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The formula was simple: get a job, work for thirty-odd years, and then retire and live off a pension, Social Security, savings, etc. While this was the typical living plan of many people, statistics indicate a rise in so-called “Nevertirres” people within retirement age who are continuing to work. Barclays, who coined the term...
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Of the many available retirement planning options, the 401(k) plan is perhaps the best program to accumulate funds for retirement. 401(k) plans allow employees to contribute funds on a pre-tax basis, unlike taxable savings vehicles. The upper limit of annual contributions was $12,000 in 2003, increasing $1,000 every year until reaching $15,000 in 2006....
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Annuities are financial instruments that allow for payment of an immediate or deferred source of income. These payments are typically paid on a monthly or quarterly basis, and are often used to substitute income earned from a paycheck. Annuity terms and options vary widely, but typically provide income through debt, at which point the...
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How Can I Control the Distribution of My Estate? Estate planning is crucial if you want to ensure your assets are distributed to your heirs as you would wish. Without a will, distribution of your estate will be handled by probate courts according to state law. The courts will also decide who will be...
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